“A new website highlights the International Polar Year, an intense program of research, analysis, and observations at Earth’s poles that has yielded insights important to the entire planet. Meet the scientists who are exploring these icy landscapes and watch a webinar presentation.

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“This has been a busy and exciting month for Worldwatch’s Climate and Energy team. We published two Vital Signs Online trends, on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the status of Carbon Capture and Storage; finalized our first Sustainable Energy Roadmap in the Dominican Republic; and continued our tireless research on global sustainable energy issues.”

In preparation for Earth Day – April 22, 2012 – explore NBC Learn’s “Changing Planet” Special Collection. These climate science videos, produced in partnership with the National Science Foundation, cover headline issues from rising sea levels to falling lizard populations, thawing permafrost to withering crops. Each video is accompanied by an activity provided by “Windows to the Universe” at the National Earth Science Teachers Association, to engage and involve your students in examining and understanding climate issues.

“The UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) will be held in Rio de Janeiro in June 2012 and the hope is that this gathering will refocus on the original goals of the first Rio convention held in 1992. UNESCO hopes that Rio+20 will “underpin a broader, longer-term process of redressing imbalances, a rethinking of priorities, and the necessary institutional reforms to bring about coherence in economic, environmental and social policies, which benefits all members of society.” On this site, visitors can learn about UNESCO’s “messages” for those participating in Rio+20, which cover “Education for a Sustainable Future” and “Building Awareness for Green Policies”. Moving along, the “Resources” area contains timely research documents like “From Green Economics to Green Societies” and “Blueprint for Ocean and Coastal Sustainability”. Also, visitors shouldn’t miss the “Video” area, which includes information about UNESCO’s outreach efforts in addressing the digital divide and incorporating media partners into educating the public about sustainable development.”

“Plan for U.S. Global Change Research Program ReviewedThe draft 10-year strategic plan for the U.S. Global Change Research Program is “evolving in the right direction,” but several key issues could strengthen these planning efforts, says a new report from the National Research Council.”